IIU closes probe into unattended police firearm

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This article was published 18/08/2020 (1598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has closed a probe into allegations an RCMP officer left his police-issued firearm unattended in public in Winnipeg.

The Mountie attended a personal physiotherapy appointment in Winnipeg on Nov. 1, 2019.

A civilian attending an appointment at the same office said they noticed a police duty belt stored, unattended, behind the reception desk.

The civilian took photos of the unattended belt, which they said contained a pistol and two clips of ammunition. The photos were shared with both the RCMP and the IIU.

The matter was reported to the RCMP by the civilian on Nov. 4, 2019. The RCMP reported the allegations to the IIU on Nov. 7, 2019.

In addition to the complainant, the IIU spoke with the receptionist at the physiotherapist office, who said the officer in question regularly left his belt unattended during his appointments.

IIU investigators requested an interview with the officer, but he did not respond.

Following its investigation, the IIU forwarded the case to Manitoba Prosecution Services for review. The Crown said the matter did not meet the charging standard and there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction, so no charges should be laid.

The IIU investigation is closed.